Test may bring back biff
Morley tips a fiery contest due to changes in punching laws
FORMER British and Roosters firebrand Adrian Morley believes the absence of the one-punch send-off rule could cause Friday night’s World Cup opener between Australia and England to erupt.
“If it goes beyond and above the laws of the sport, then so be it,” Morley said.
The one punch send-off rule used in the NRL will not be employed throughout the World Cup because international rules are in place. Morley said that meant a return of the biff is on the cards.
“If it overheats, that’s all part and parcel of Test match rugby league. You’re getting me excited talking about stuff like this,” said Morley, who was sent off after a high shot on Australia’s Robbie Kearns in the first tackle of a 2003 Test in Wigan.
“I’m not saying a flare-up is to be expected but it won’t be a huge surprise if it happens.
“I’m not an advocate of it – nor am I encouraging it – but I wouldn’t dislike it, either.”
The Kangaroos are still filthy that English forward Sam Burgess landed an unprovoked punch on David Klemmer in last November’s Four Nations final in England. Under international rules, Burgess stayed on the field.
“When you hear the national anthem, when you wear the badge of England, you’re a very, very proud person,” said Morley, who represented the Roosters between 2001 and 2006, playing 114 games and winning the 2002 grand final with the club.
“The hairs on the back of your neck stand up. When you line up and look at your opponent, you say: ‘I’m not going to take a backward step’. You want to do your best for the Queen and your country.
“And there’s no bigger rivalry in rugby league than Australia and England. There will be a lot of fired-up boys.
“It’s no good England competing well and being good sports. We need the victory.
“No one will give England a chance. Everyone is saying it’s all going to be one-way traffic. But I think the boys will stand up and have something to say about that.”
England will send out a physical forward pack, led by NRL stars Burgess, James Graham and Josh Hodgson.
They will fight fire with fire against Australia in Melbourne and Morley believes England have an edge through the middle because of superior power.